Bay leaf oil is extracted from the leaves of the bay tree, a tree native to Asia Minor. Bay tree later spread to other Mediterranean and tropical countries. Bay leaf oil is an essential oil used in aromatherapy.
History of Bay Leaf and Bay Leaf Oil:
Bay leaf is mentioned in Greek mythology and was revered as a sacred tree, blessed by Apollo. Ancient Greek and Roman heroes and athletes were crowned with laurel wreaths made with bay leaves. This explains the botanical name of bay leaf, Laurus nobilis. Bay leaf is also mentioned in the Bible. In the middle ages, bay leaf oil was considered to induce abortions. Bay leaf oil was also used as a pesticide since it is effective in keeping away moths. Bay leaves vary in fragrance according to their place of origin. For example, the Californian variety has a stronger flavour than the Mediterranean variety, while the Indian variety has a mild flavour.
The Bay tree is a tough evergreen shrub with inconspicuous white flower. The tree can even grow upto 18 m. Bay leaf oil is usually distilled from the West India bay, Pimento racemosa. However, bay leaf oil is also extracted from the Mediterranean variety, Laurus nobilis. Bay leaf oil is an essential oil and thus is aromatic and has concentrated and volatile composition. It blends well with Juniper, Lavender, Pine ,Clary Sage and Citrus & Spice oils.It is really invigorating for mind and body. Get more updates about the Therapeutic Uses of Bay Leaf Oil here
Therapeutic Uses of Bay Leaf Oil:
- Bay leaf oil, is an essential oil with a spicy and pungent smell. It is widely used in preparing soaps for men, colognes, cosmetics and hair tonics. Add a few drops of diluted bay leaf oil to your skin care products for fragrance.
- This oil has anti astringent qualities. If you have an oily skin, then add a few drops of bay leaf essential oil to your skin toner to tone your skin and treat acnes.
- Bay leaf oil has proven anti-dandruff qualities and promotes hair growth. Dilute a few drops of this essential oil and use it as a hair tonic.
- Use bay leaf oil as your massage oil before your bath after a tiring day. Bay leaf essential oil can effectively treat neuralgia, rheumatism and muscular aches. It improves blood circulation and is an essential component for massage liniments. The bay leaf essential oil releases heat when rubbed on your body which improves blood circulation. This helps to relieve your muscle tension and cure sprains.
- Use a few drops of this essential oil to your foot bath to cure those aching feet. Add a few drops to cold water and dip your hands in it for a stimulating effect.
- Parthenolides in bay leaf help to cure headaches and treating migraines. Massage a little diluted bay leaf oil on your forehead to relieve the pain.
- Bay leaf essential oil, if sniffed lightly, can cure lung and sinus congestion. It is also considered to improve your memory. Add a few drops of this oil to a vaporizer and inhale the air. You can also inhale a small amount of bay leaf oil directly, but do be careful not to sniff in too much.
- Eugenol, in bay leaf oil, has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This oil is also known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties.
- Use this oil in a cool compress. This is especially useful for curing sunburns.
- You can use this oil as a room freshener. Put a few drops of bay leaf oil in a dish and place a candle below it to gently heat the oil to vaporize it. This has a soothing effect and helps you to de-stress. It also increases your confidence level.
- Use it in a potpourri. The aroma gives you a sense of general well being.
Read on to know more about the Safety Guidelines for using Bay Leaf Oil
Safety Guidelines for using Bay Leaf Oil:
- If you are on an anti-coagulant therapy then you should not use bay leaf oil.
- Bay leaf oil is moderately toxic, and can cause skin irritation and irritations of the mucous membrane. Therefore it should be used in small amounts only and ALWAYS diluted before use. Skin irritations can also occur from prolonged use of this oil. If so, then avoid using this essential oil as much as possible.
- Do not use this oil if you have a sensitive skin.
- Do not use this oil if you have a sensitive skin.